Nothing is more symbolic or synonymous with the Vietnam War than the UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. Hueys, also called choppers, served as troop and cargo carriers, air ambulances, and gunships for all the military branches. This helicopter, tail number 68-15532, was placed in service April 1969. It arrived at the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Quan Loi, Vietnam on May 10, 1969, the 21st birthday of its new Crew Chief, Craig Fouts. It joined a platoon of other UH-1’s and OH-6A Loaches as part of the “Snoopy Flight.” Accordingly, a Snoopy figure was painted on the nose of the aircraft.
Between May 1969 and October 1969, this “Snoopy” was utilized as a Command-and-Control aircraft. In January 1970, helicopter 68-15532 was transferred to the 229th Aviation Battalion and flew 2262 hours over the next 21 months. Other in-country assignments included 73 hours with the 244th Assault Helicopter Company, 18 hours with the 114th Assault Helicopter Company, and 202 hours with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company. Its last mission in Vietnam was in August 1972. This helicopter flew a total of 3180 hours in Vietnam and returned to Texas nearly unscathed.
Almost 48 years later, 68-15532 was found dormant in Burlington VT. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 601 in Bennington VT donated it to VVA Chapter 279 in Omaha, NE to be used in this Memorial. Roger, a 70-year-old Iowa native, drove the truck with “Bird of Mercy” on the back, carrying the helicopter from Bennington VT to Bennington NE where it was stored temporarily. Restoration work was performed at the Iowa Western Community College Airport Facility by students and faculty of the college’s Aviation Maintenance program, retired and active-duty service members. A preview of the restoration, September 12, 2022, was attended by many of the original aircrew for this aircraft, including former Crew Chief Fouts – their first reunion since the Vietnam War. Those same aircrew members were present as honored guests at the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s Opening Day ceremony, held on 06 June 2024. Their photos are presented on the display stands located at the base of the helicopter.
Additional information concerning this helicopter can be found on our website at: Operation Restore Huey Taking Flight